...And What Homeowners Can Do About It
Florida homeowners are frustrated — and understandably so. Insurance premiums have surged over the past several years, and many assume it’s simply because roofs are aging.
But that’s not the full story.
The real driver behind Florida’s insurance crisis isn’t roof age. It’s litigation and claim abuse.
The Real Problem: Litigation Volume, Not Roof Lifespan
Florida has accounted for nearly 80 percent of all roofing-related lawsuits in the United States — despite representing only a fraction of the nation’s homes.
For years, aggressive marketing campaigns encouraged homeowners to file roof claims — even when full replacement wasn’t necessary. Door knockers, out-of-state sales teams, and high-pressure tactics pushed “free roof” narratives tied to insurance policies.
Inflated estimates and unnecessary replacements followed.
Some contractors participated. Many did not. But the damage to the insurance market was already done.
Billions of dollars in litigation and claim payouts forced insurance carriers to respond. And they did.
They raised premiums across the board.
Some tightened underwriting guidelines.
Others left Florida entirely.
The higher premiums you see today are not based on a forecasted hurricane next year. They are a reaction to historical claim volume and lawsuit frequency.
Posted June 1, 2025 7:46pm
The Hidden Cost of “Free Roof” Culture
When unnecessary claims increase:
- Insurers pay out more than actuarial models anticipated
- Legal defense costs rise
- Reinsurance rates climb
- Risk pools shrink
The cost does not disappear. It redistributes.
And ultimately, it lands on the homeowner.
That means responsible homeowners — those who never filed a questionable claim — are now paying for systemic abuse that occurred over many years.
Florida Law Now Protects Homeowners — If You Understand It
Under Florida Statute § 627.7011, insurers cannot non-renew a roof under 15 years old based solely on age. For roofs over 15 years, they must allow an inspection. If the inspection certifies at least five years of remaining life, they cannot drop coverage due to age alone.
This is critical.
It means replacement is not automatically required just because a roof gets older.
What matters is condition.
A Smarter Path Forward: Preserve Instead of Replace
There is a middle ground between filing a claim and writing a $25,000 replacement check.
Roof rejuvenation focuses on preserving and restoring shingles rather than tearing them off prematurely.
Rejuvenation:
- Restores shingle flexibility
- Improves water-shedding performance
- Includes a full soft wash and tune-up
- Often adds 5–10 years of life to qualifying roofs
- Helps roofs pass inspection requirements
Most roofs between 5–15 years old are excellent candidates for this approach.
Instead of:
“Claim it and replace it.”
The strategy becomes:
“Preserve it. Document it. Extend it.”
Why This Matters for Insurance
Insurance companies are not looking for perfection. They are looking for usable life.
If an inspection confirms five or more years of remaining service life, renewal is typically allowed.
Rejuvenation helps restore measurable condition — which can help:
- Overturn non-renewal notices
- Delay replacement timelines
- Avoid unnecessary claims
- Maintain insurability
It’s not about gaming the system. It’s about working within it responsibly.
The Bigger Picture
The Florida market is stabilizing, but it will take time.
New legislation has reduced lawsuit incentives. Carriers are cautiously re-entering the state. But premiums will not drop overnight.
Homeowners who shift from a “replace at first sign of age” mindset to a “preserve and maintain” strategy are positioning themselves ahead of the curve.
Proactive maintenance — annual inspections, soft washing, tune-ups, conditioning, and rejuvenation when appropriate — protects both the roof and your long-term insurability.
The Bottom Line
Florida insurance premiums are not skyrocketing because your roof turned 10 or 15 years old. They are rising because of years of excessive claims and litigation.
The solution is not more claims.
The solution is smarter preservation.
Preserve the roof.
Prove its condition.
Avoid unnecessary replacement and insurance claims.
If you’d like a professional evaluation of your roof’s condition and eligibility for preservation services, schedule a free, no-obligation inspection at:
www.brightgreenroofcf.com/schedule
A measured approach today can protect your home — and your premiums — tomorrow.
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